Tribolium obliterum
Capetown grass
(c) Nina Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nina Kerr · licence
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass
Tribolium obliterum (Capetown grass) is a California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by Naturalized South African genus not otherwise represented in North American flora.
Capetown grass is a naturalized perennial herb found in disturbed ground in maritime chaparral at elevations up to 215 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces small spikelets with 5 to 10 florets in compact clusters 1 to 2 centimeters long. Growing with decumbent stems 5 to 40 centimeters tall, it may produce short stolons up to 30 centimeters long. Its leaves have glabrous blades and sheaths that are ciliate at the apex, with the distalmost sheath partially enclosing the inflorescence stalk. The spikelets are ovate, 3.5 to 4.5 millimeters long, with acute glumes that are minutely scabrous along their veins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Naturalized South African genus not otherwise represented in North American flora
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed ground in maritime chaparral
Elevation: <= 215 m
Outside California: native to South Africa, naturalized in Australia
Bloom period
Tribolium obliterum blooms Apr-Jul.
Frequently asked questions
When does Tribolium obliterum bloom?
Tribolium obliterum blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Tribolium obliterum belong to?
Tribolium obliterum is in the Poaceae family, genus Tribolium.
What habitat does Tribolium obliterum grow in?
Tribolium obliterum grows in Disturbed ground in maritime chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.